A 221-foot granite obelisk in Charlestown marking the 1775 battle. Free to climb its 294 steps for a rooftop city view, no elevator. Free timed tickets from the lodge. Open Wednesday-Sunday, so plan around the closed days.
Key facts
| Hours | Wed-Sun: 10am-4:30pm (last climb earlier) Mon-Tue: Closed Hours shift seasonally; verify with NPS |
|---|---|
| Price | free |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | Community College (Orange Line), then a 15-min walk uphill |
| Time needed | 1-1.5 hours |
| Best time to go | Weekday late morning to avoid the stair queue |
| Last verified | July 15, 2026 |
Friend Score
8.0/10- Value8.5
- iconic8.0
- Freshness9.2
- excellence8.0
- Crowd level8.5
- Authenticity8.0
- Accessibility6.5
Frequently asked questions
- Is the view from the top worth it?
- Yes, on a clear day you get 360-degree views of Boston, the harbor, and Charlestown through small windows. It's not a wide observation deck, but the payoff after 294 steps is real.
- Is it part of the Freedom Trail?
- Yes, it's the second-to-last stop on the Freedom Trail, near the northern end. Many people reach it on foot after crossing into Charlestown from the North End over the bridge.
- Can kids climb it?
- Yes, and many do, but the narrow stairs and lack of a barrier at the windows mean you'll want to hold little ones. There's no stroller access up the monument itself.
- Is there anything else to see there?
- Yes, the small Bunker Hill Museum across the street is free and worth 20 minutes for context on the battle. The surrounding Monument Square is a pretty pocket of historic Charlestown.
- What days is it open?
- Generally Wednesday through Sunday, closed Monday and Tuesday. Hours run roughly 10am to 4:30pm but shift seasonally, and climbing can close for weather or safety. Always check the NPS Boston site the morning of.
- How do I get there without a car?
- Take the Orange Line to Community College and walk about 15 minutes uphill, or ride the MBTA ferry to the Navy Yard and walk over. It pairs naturally with USS Constitution nearby.
- How many stairs are there?
- 294 steps, spiraling up a narrow stone staircase with no elevator and no air conditioning. It's a genuine workout and can get hot in summer. If you have knee or heart issues, know that going in.
- How much does it cost to climb Bunker Hill Monument?
- It's free. There's no admission fee to climb, though you need a free timed ticket which you pick up at the Bunker Hill Lodge or museum at the base. Only 25 people are allowed inside at a time.
Nearby in Ask Boston
- CharlestownNeighborhood0.22 km · 3 min walk
- USS ConstitutionAttraction0.55 km · 7 min walk
- Old North ChurchAttraction1.23 km · 15 min walk
- Regina Pizzeria (North End)Restaurant1.25 km · 16 min walk
- Museum of ScienceMuseum1.26 km · 16 min walk
Where to stay near Bunker Hill Monument
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